Mesquite (Devi): Prosopis Juliflora A potential source of livelihood in Thar

Prosopis juliflora (Devi) is one of the 44 species of Prosopis, is an evergreen leguminous tree,

typical of arid and semi-arid regions, growing up to 10-15 m high. Protein and sugar-rich pods are

used as fodder and their value is all the more important as they are available during dry periods.

Prosopis juliflora foliage is well accepted by wildlife and livestock. Mesquite is a N-fixing legume

and it provides shade and shelter and is used in windbreaks and shelterbelts.

CLIMATIC HITS DESTROY VEGETATION ACROSS THAR

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Ph.D Scholar Collage of Agronomy & Biotechnology China Agricultural University Beijing Nazeer163@gmail.com nachachar@yahoo.com

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Mesquite (Devi): Prosopis Juliflora A potential source of livelihood in Thar

Classification

LOCAL NAME: Devi

COMMON NAMES: Mesquite, Meskit, Ironwood, Cashaw, Bayarone, Algaroba, Prosópis,

Algarroba, Algarrobo, Cují Negro, Trupillo, Sudjoe, Vilayati Kikar, Kabuli

Kikar, Vilayati Babul (USDA, 2010; Ecocrop, 2010)

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Prosopis juliflora

FAMILY NAME: Leguminosae or Fabaceae

Introduction

Thar Desert is very rich in biodiversity with arid climatic environments of the region suitable

for adaptation of different species in the region. But, extreme weather conditions like low

and erratic rainfall, low temperature, high temperatures, strong winds and low humidity

makes it inhospitable to different habitats leaving to migration and loss of habitats in the

region. Recent climatic hits of low temperature in Thar regions negatively affected the natural

resources of Thar especially Devi (Prosopis juliflora) and caused complete desiccation of the

tree, it in one of the major source for fodder for animal during the famine situations. Some

of the advantages of this tree are attributed in this report. Prosopis juliflora is more sensitive

to cold weather and frost but have the ability to cope with hot, dry situations.

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PLANT DESCRIPTION

Mesquite: (Devi) Prosopis juliflora: is one of the 44 species of Prosopis, it is an evergreen

leguminous tree, typical of arid and semi-arid regions, growing up to 10-15 m high. The crown

is large and the canopy is open. Mesquite is a phreatophyte (Ecoport, 2010) and has a deep

taproot, growing downwards in search of water tables (down to 35 m depth), with well-

developed lateral roots competing with grasses. The stems are green-brown, twisted and

flexible. They have long and strong thorns (1.2-5 cm long), though some varieties are

thornless. Leaves are pinnately compound with 13-25 pairs leaflets arranged on 1 or

sometimes 2 pairs of pendulous rachis. Leaflets are oblong (3-16 mm long x 1.5-3 mm broad)

(Ecoport, 2010). Flowers are light greenish-yellow, arranged in cylindrical spikes 5-10 cm long

and 1.5 cm wide. Fruits are flattened, curved, indehiscent pods (4 mm thick, 1-1.5 cm wide

and 15-20 cm long) (Ecoport, 2010). Pods are

straw-coloured and contain a fleshy and sugary

mesocarp (Göhl, 1982). The pods contain 10-20

seeds that are 2-8 mm long (FAO, 2010). There is

a wide range of mesquite varieties.

P. juliflora was introduced into Sindh, Pakistan in 1857 (at that time Pakistan was part of un-

divided India) of during the late 19th century, possibly from Mexico or Jamaica (Luna, 1996).

Initial purpose of the introduction of this exotic species in sub-continent was sand dunes

stabilization, which was followed by various Governments of Pakistan in 1950s and 1960s. In

1970s, it was planted in Gwadar district, Baluchistan for the control of sand dunes movement.

Gradually, from Southern Sindh it spreads in many parts of Sindh, Punjab and Baluchistan

provinces.

Adoptability

Mesquite is xerophytic and is adapted to many soil types under a wide range of moisture

conditions (Orwa et al., 2009). The value of the tree lies in its exceptional tolerance of heat,

drought (8 months and even longer) and marginal soils. It

A Phreatophyte is a deep-rooted plant that obtains a significant portion of the water that it needs from the phreatic zone (zone of saturation) or the capillary fringe above the phreatic zone.

Note: It is sensitive to cold weather and frost.

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tolerates strongly saline soils or alkaline soils. It also withstands seasonal waterlogging (Orwa

et al., 2009). Droughts during flowering periods may affect flower and pods production

(Ecoport, 2010). Irrigation during flowering period triples or quadruples pods yields in Brazil

(Riveros, 1992).

Uses

Mesquite is a N-fixing legume and it provides shade and shelter and is used in windbreaks

and shelterbelts, but it should be avoided in irrigated areas since it is a potential host to

pathogenic nematodes (Ecoport, 2010). Thanks to its ability to grow on saline and alkaline

soils, mesquite is valued as soil reclaimer (As it has ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen in plant

usable form) in very poor, degraded lands, rocky soils or abandoned copper mines. It is also

useful for stabilizing dunes on coastal zones and bunds around mangrove creeks (van der

Maesen et al., 1997). Mesquite has an overall positive effect on soil: N, sulphur, organic

matter and soluble salts are increased threefold within the upper 4.5 m of soil under mesquite

(Ecoport, 2010).

The protein and sugar-rich pods are used as fodder and their value is all the more important

as they are available during dry periods (van der Maesen et al., 1997). Mesquite foliage is well

accepted by wildlife and livestock but the green leaves are not very palatable and the cattle

eat only the buds and immature pods. Direct browsing of the foliage may reduce tree

development (Mendes, 1988).

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Forage management

Pods production begins 3 years after planting. The average yield per tree is about 10-50 kg

pods/year and can be collected from May-June and September-October (Sawal et al., 2004).

Pod harvest is an easy but costly manual operation. Pods are stored in wood-lined or brick-

built houses or in layers of sand (Silva, 1988a). Pods may be stored for several years but are

very susceptible to to insect attack, requiring treatment of the storage houses with

insecticidal dust or fumigation (Ffolliot et al., 1983).

PODS

Mesquite pods are palatable feeds and rich sources

of energy for ruminants due to their digestible

carbohydrate content. They can replace part of the

diet grains (Sawal et al., 2004).

More than 10 % of ground dried Prosopis

juliflora pods in post weaning piglets had

detrimental effects on growth rate and the feed

conversion ratio linearly increased with the

inclusion rate of the pods (Silva et al., 1988).

Cattle, sheep and goats browse the pods in the

fields, snatching them before they drop or picking up the dry ones from the ground. The

animals can also graze the dry grasses of low nutritive value found within the mesquite stand.

The pods can also be collected and fed to stalled livestock, whole or processed, alone or as

part of a ration and fresh or after storage. Processed pods are more digestible and ground

pods have a better dietary value. Processing comprises the pounding, grinding or milling of

pods, either as a single process producing a whole pod extract, or with some separation of

pod parts and further processing of each fraction. Processing usually involves milling of whole

pods into a homogeneous, coarse flour, although in some cases exocarp and mesocarp (pulp)

are separated from the endocarp and seed.

RUMINANTS are mammals that

are able to acquire nutrients from

plant-based food by fermenting it

in a specialized stomach prior to

digestion, principally through

bacterial actions. The process

typically requires regurgitation of

fermented ingesta (known

as cud), and chewing it again. The

process of rechewing the cud to

further break down plant matter

and stimulate digestion is called

"Rumination". The word

"ruminant" comes from the

Latin ruminare, which means "to

chew over again".

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Pasiecznik et al., (2001) reported that cattle rations containing less than 50% Prosopis

juliflora pods lead to no adverse effects on consumption, digestibility, nutrient balance and

animal health. Lower inclusion rates of 15-25 % are recommended in sheep and goats. In all

ruminants’ species, inclusion rates higher than 50-60 % may cause toxicity problems due to

the presence of cytotoxic alkaloids.

POD HUSKS

In arid regions of India, Prosopis juliflora pod husks could be included at 50 % in the

concentrate (with colocyinth seed cake (Citrullus colocynthis)) fed to Marwari sheep without

adverse effect on animal health (Mathur et al., 2002).

FOLIAGE

Foliage of Prosopis juliflora is generally unpalatable, which

severely limits its use as fodder. However, animals will

browse the foliage during dry seasons or droughts when no other forage sources are

available. The palatability in decreasing order is goats (more palatable) > sheep > camels >

horses (unpalatable). This unpalatability

may be caused by the presence of

condensed tannins. It increases with leaf

age and low-tannin leaf buds and young

leaves are more palatable. Dry, fallen

leaves appear to regain some palatability,

and livestock, particularly goats, are often

seen foraging under tree canopies. Leaves have been mixed with other feeds as a cheap

supplement to decrease feed costs while maintaining intake and live weight gains (Pasiecznik

et al., 2001). In India, incorporation of Prosophis juliflora foliage was possible but reduced

intake at levels above 10% of the total feed (Shukla et al., 1984 cited by Pasiecznik et al.,

2001).

UNPALATABLE: something that tastes really bad, like a glass of unsweetened lemonade

TANNIN (also known as vegetable tannin, natural organic tannins or sometimes tannoid, i.e. a type of biomolecule, as opposed to modern synthetic tannin) is an astringent, bitter plant polyphenolic compound that binds to and precipitates proteins and various other organic compounds including amino acids and alkaloids.

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Several authors have reported in the past that Prosopis juliflora leaves are highly digestible.

However, recent in vitro DM digestibility data are in the 56-59 % range (Pasiecznik et al.,

2001).

SEEDS

Pigs fed on rations containing 70% sun-dried seeds in Hawaii gained 595 g/day (Göhl, 1982).

Prosopis juliflora flour included at up to 50% in growing finishing pigs had no effect on growth

performance and carcass quality (Lima Filho et al., 1998).

DIGESTIBILITY

Results from early trials found that Prosopis juliflora pods were highly digestible. Reported

values in Peru were 83 and 80 % for DM and protein respectively (Barros et al., 1988).

Livestock

DAIRY CATTLE

Feed comprising Prosopis pods have been recommended for lactating animals and have be

said to increase milk production. No effects on milk flavour were noted at less than 50% pods

in the ration, though as a only feed some taste change has been suggested (Pasiecznik et al.,

2001). A study result from the 1950s mentioned that pods were used in concentrate rations

for dairy cows at 40-60 % inclusion rates. Another report claimed that pods were particularly

used in dairy rations in Hawai, where it replaced concentrates such as cottonseed meal (Silva,

1988a). Prosopis juliflora pod flour could replace up to 60 % of wheat bran in rations for

lactating cows and that dry matter intake, weight gain and milk production increased with

increasing proportion of pod flour. The most economic ration was the one with 60 % mesquite

pod replacing wheat bran (Silva, 1988a). In Colombia, the use of mesquite pods reduced the

postpartum interval and increased the weight in dual-purpose cows (Roncallo, 2002). In India,

inclusion of up to 30 % pods in the diet maintained dairy performance (Talpada et al., 1988).

BEEF AND GROWING CATTLE

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Entire replacement of wheat bran by ground pods was found favorable for beef cattle in

Brazil, (Silva, 1988a). Several trials in India have shown that the inclusion of Prosopis

juliflora pods could sustain cattle growth. Diets containing up to 45% Prosopis juliflora pods

(1.5 % of body weight) gave acceptable live weight gains (Shukla et al., 1984). Prosopis

juliflora pods could be fed to 9-month crossbred heifers up to 20 % in the diet (replacing rice

polishings) without adverse effect on growth and reproductive performances (Pandya et al.,

2005). Similar results were obtained at 20 % level in growing crossbred calves (Talpada et al.,

2002).

SHEEP

Many trials have found that part of the grains or forage in sheep diets could be replaced

efficiently with Prosopis juliflora pods (Obeidat et al., 2008). In Mexico, Prosopis juliflora pod

flour could replace up to 45 % of sorghum grain while increasing weight gain and was cost-

effective at that substitution rate. 60 % substitution had a depressive effect on gain (Buzo et

al., 1972, cited by Silva, 1988a). In Jordan, feeding fattening Awassi lambs diets containing up

to 20 % (replacing barley) did not affect growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and

carcass and meat characteristics while being cost effective (Obeidat et al., 2008). A similar

study found that nutrient intake, digestibility, growth rate, and feed efficiency improved

when pods were included at 15-25 % (replacing barley and maize grain) but that animal

performance decreased when pods were included at 35-45 % in the diet (Abdullah et al.,

2004). Replacement of 30 % and 45 % of sugarcane molasses by mesquite pods gave the

highest weight gains In Brazil (Barros, 1981, cited by Silva, 1988a).

Grinding and heating had not effect on voluntary intake of Prosopis juliflora pods fed alone,

but ground pods associated with Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) were eaten in greater

volume than whole pods (Silva, 1988a). In Northeast Brazil, Prosopis juliflora pods was found

to be a very practical and economical option for feeding sheep in the dry season (Oliveira,

2009). The substitution of Napier grass silage by up to 45 % Prosopis juliflora pods had a

positive effect on dry matter intake, weight gain and economic performance (Almeida et al.,

2008).

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GOATS

Prosopis juliflora pods have been tested in arid zone countries to feed goats. In Oman, a diet

containing 20 % pods improved feed intake, feed conversion and body weight gain without

compromising carcass yield or quality. However, intake and gain dropped sharply when pods

where included at 30 % (Mahgoub et al., 2005b). In the drylands of India, up to 35 % Prosopis

juliflora pod flour included in the diet of goats in late lactation maintained weight gain, blood

parameters and milk yield (Mathur et al., 2003).

Pigs

There are few references about the use of Prosopis juliflora pods and seed flour in pig

feeding. Seeds and seed flour seem to be a better feed than pods.

Poultry

BROILERS

A maximum incorporation level of 20 % has been reported by several studies. Prosopis

juliflora pods could partially replace maize and could be offered up to 20 % in the diet (with

enzyme supplementation). 30 % increased the feed conversion ratio and the feed cost per kg

(Choudhary et al., 2005). Broilers fed a diets containing 20 % had the highest live body weight,

body weight gain and the best feed conversion (Al-beitawi et al., 2010). A 10 % inclusion rate

did not have any adverse effects on performance in starter and finisher diets (Vanker et al.,

1998)

EGG LYING HENS

7.5-14 % Prosopis juliflora pods are recommended in egg layer hens diets. Prosopis

juliflora pod meal was used to replace up to 100% of wheat bran (7.5 % of the diet) in rations

for egg laying hens with no effect on intake, feed conversion ratio or egg weight (Riveros,

1992). The inclusion of mesquite pod meal up to 13.6% in isonitrogen and isoenergy diets did

not adversely affect egg laying hen’s performance, but a 30 % inclusion level reduced egg and

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mass weights and affected feed to egg mass ratio. A TME value of 11.8 MJ/kg DM was

determined (Silva et al., 2002b).

LAYING QUAILS

Prosopis juliflora pod meal could be included up to 15% in partial maize replacement of iso-

nitrogen and iso-energy diets without an adverse effect on laying hens quail performance. A

25 % inclusion level reduced feed intake and egg mass (Silva et al., 2002a).

Rabbits

Little information exists about the use of Prosopis juliflora in rabbits. It was possible to use

mesquite pods up to 25% without problems in the diets of growing rabbits (Castillo Guerrero,

1979). In a trial where ground pods and pericaps were both included at 30%, Dry matter

digestibility was rather low for pods (45 %) and higher for the pericarp (67 %) while protein

digestibility was high and similar for both products (72 and 76 % respectively). N-corrected

ME was 7.7 MJ/kg Dry matter for pods and 12.0 MJ/kg DM for the pericarp (Silva et al., 1990).

Horses and donkeys

Prosopis juliflora pods are well appreciated by horses and mules, who can consume between

2 to 6 kg/day or 1.2 kg/100 kg W. Prosopis juliflora pod meal could replace 100% of maize

cob meal (75 % of diet dry matter) in mares without altering dry matter intake, though non

digestible food (NDF) digestibility was affected (Stein et al., 2005).

Fish culture

ROHU (LABEO ROHITA)

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Hydrothermically processed Prosopis juliflora seed meal fed to

rohu (Labeo rohita) fingerlings resulted in better growth than

raw seed meal. However, diets where 50% of fish meal were

replaced by Prosopis juliflora seed meal depressed growth,

carcass composition, digestive enzyme activity and digestibility

even when the seeds were processed by soaking or

autoclaving, so Prosopis juliflora seed meal should be

incorporated in rohu diets at inclusion levels lower than 30 % (Bhatt et al., 2010).

Apiculture

Prosopis juliflora is a valuable honey plant: bees are fond of Prosopis juliflora flowers and

the flowering lasts almost year-round (van der Maesen et al., 1997; FAO, 2010). Prosopis

juliflora a is a major honey source in Bolivia, Jamaica, Pakistan, Western Australia and

elsewhere. In Sri Lanka, it is one of the most important species for bee forage due to its very

copious nectar flow.

Food

Rich, delicious flour can be made from Pulverized pods from which seeds have been removed.

Cotyledons and embryos when pulverized yield a flour rich in protein and sugar appropriate

for diabetic people. There are reports that P. juliflora pods are used in preparing bread,

sweets, syrup and coffee. The pods must be processed to improve the flavour. Sugars and

sweeteners can be produced from the pods.

FUEL

The generally crooked stems and branches make good firewood and provide excellent

charcoal. Charcoal from P. juliflora wood is used extensively in the USA as barbecue fuel;

about 30% of the charcoal sold for this purpose originates from P. juliflora from the Sonora

ROHU (LABEO ROHITA,)

is a species of fish of

the carp family, found

in rivers in South Asia.

It is a non-oily/white

fish.

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Desert in northern Mexico. In Pakistan its charcol has been extensively used in Kilns of poultry

farms during winter season.

FIBER

There is a large potential for P. juliflora as a source for fiber in the production of paper,

paperboard and hardboard.

TIMBER

Seasoned wood is used for fence posts, furniture, crafts and corrals. It is rarely used in

construction, as most tree trunks are not long or straight enough.

GUM OR RESIN

P. Juliflora heartwood contains significant amounts of extractable polyphenolic compounds

from which can be isolated a unique flavinol compound used in the formation of new phenol-

formaldehyde polymeric resins. A reddish-amber gum, similar in properties to the gum arabic

produced by Acacia senegal, often exudes from the stem and older branches.

TANNIN OR DYESTUFF

Tannin or dyestuff can be extracted from P. Juliflora but the yield is only about 10%. Tannin

could also be extracted as a byproduct when P. juliflora wood is processed for other purposes,

such as animal rations.

MEDICINE

P. Juliflora syrup prepared from ground pods has various medicinal values. It is given to

children showing weight deficiency or retardation in motor development, the syrup is

believed to increase lactation. It is also used for preparing various medicinal syrups, articularly

for expectorants. Tea made from P. Juliflora is thought to be good for digestive disturbances

and skin lesions.

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SERVICES

EROSION CONTROL

P. Juliflora has been used to arrest wind erosion and stabilize sand dunes on coastal areas. It

is listed as on the tree species used in sand-dune stabilization in India.

SHADE OR SHELTER

Planted in windbreaks and shelterbelts.

RECLAMATION

Widely planted for land reclamation because it is an aggressive colonizer, tolerant of very

poor, degraded, saline and alkaline soils.

NITROGEN FIXING

P. Juliflora moderately enriches the soil with atmospheric nitrogen obtained through

symbiosis with cowpea-type Rhizobium. The roots also form mycorrhizal associations with

Glomus fungi. Plants with both Rhizobium and mycorrhizal associations show significantly

higher nitrogen fixation rates than those lacking the mycorrhiza.

SOIL IMPROVER

Total nitrogen, sulphur and soluble salts, as well as organic matter, have been shown to

increase 3-fold in the upper 4.5 m of soil under P. juliflora.

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INTERCROPPING

The best species to grow in association with P. Juliflora are Cenchrus ciliaris, Opuntia spp. and

Pancium maximum.

ORNAMENTAL

P. Juliflora is used to line urban motorways. However, its thorns pose problems for pruning

and maintenance.

SAND DUNE FIXATION

Its role as dune fixer has been established in arid and semiarid areas of Pakistan Dune fixation

could further control the unsupervised growth of dust storm.

Potential constraints

In spite of these qualities, Prosopis juliflora is considered as a noxious weed in many parts

of the world, since it naturalizes easily and competes strongly with other species. In Thar

(Pakistan), sheep farmers have to face the problem of the infestation by Prosopis

juliflora bushes of grazing areas that are already scarce (Dinesh et al., 2003). It is possible to

control Prosopis juliflora by regular pruning and turn it into a valuable tree that is less

agressive to grasses or crops. Removing the poorly nutritive side branches results in smaller

roots and more efficient water utilization (Elfadl et al., 2003). Grazing of Prosopis juliflora

stands is another way to control its growth (Riveros, 1992).

Propsopis juliflora, an invasive species in the arid and semi-arid areas of Pakistan. This

complex plant has become a major factor for eliminating the habitat of many indigenous

species at a catastrophic level. As reported by experts, Prosopis juliflora is in IUCN's

new list of 100 world’s worst invasive alien species.

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With profound experience of people around the globe, it is almost impossible to terminate

the growth of this plant, as it spreads widely in most of the arid and semi-arid areas of the

world, especially in Southern Pakistan.

The efforts to eradicate or control its dispersion are completely failed. Generally, perception

of both public and governments about this plant is quite negative and its most often treated

as an `evil plant`. On the contrary, it has been established from the recent literature that this

species has been quite useful commercially as fuel wood in many areas of Southern Sindh of

Pakistan. Beside its popular use as dune fixer its products has been used extensively for

various applications such as forage plant, gum, glucose, furniture, char-coal and bio-char

around the world. Recently, its role has been established to combat desertification and

control of climate change (Kazmi et al., 2010).

TOXIC COMPOUNDS

Prosopis juliflora pods contain cytotoxic alkaloids that may cause intoxications to cattle,

horses, sheep and goats in diets containing high levels of pods (>50 %). Problems have been

reported in the USA, Peru and Brazil (Silva et al., 2007; Tabosa et al., 2006; Camara et al.,

2009). Poisonings were also recorded from pods eaten after exposure to rain (Göhl, 1982).

Goats and cattle fed with diets containing 60-90 % and 50-75 % Prosopis juliflora pods

respectively suffered mandibular tremors during chewing due to toxicity to neurons of certain

cranial nerve nuclei (Tabosa et al., 2000; Tabosa et al., 2006). In another series of outbreaks

in Brazil, the main clinical signs were progressive weight loss, atrophy of the masseter

muscles, dropped jaw, tongue protrusion, difficulties in prehending food, tilting the head

during mastigation or rumination, salivation, impaired swallowing, and decreased tone of the

tongue (Camara et al., 2009). Neuronal lesions result in difficulties in prehending and

chewing; it subsequently causes feed wastes and animal death (Tabosa et al., 2006). In India,

goats offered dry Prosopis juliflora pods as sole feed during 4 days suffered from partial

anorexia, depression, salivation, twitching, dehydration and bloody diarrhoea. Prosopis

juliflora had deleterious effects on heamoglobin, ruminal pH, ruminal bacterial count and

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caused total ruminal protozoa disappearance. There was a significant decline in blood pH and

increase in blood urea nitrogen. Histopathological studies revealed necrotic lesions in the

liver, degenerative changes in renal tubules and rarefaction of lymphoid tissue (Misri et al.,

2003).

Nutritional attributes

PODS, SEEDS AND POD HUSKS

PODS

Prosopis juliflora pods have a relatively high nutritional value. They contain about 10-15 %

dry matter of crude protein, 20-30 % DM of crude fibre and 16-41 % of total sugars (75 %

saccharose) (Sawal et al., 2004). Pod composition is quite variable and pods from India and

Africa appear to have lower levels of desirable carbohydrates and higher levels of unwanted

fibre than pods from Peru and Brazil (Pasiecznik et al., 2001). The sugar content make them

palatable to ruminants, pigs, poultry, equines and other animals (Sawal et al., 2004).

SEED

The seeds contain up to 30-40 % protein and much less fibre (3-7 %) than the pods (Sawal et

al., 2004).

POD HUSK

Pod husks have also been occasionnally used as feed. They are poor in protein (4 % Dry

matter) and rich in crude fiber (54 % dry matter) (Mathur et al., 2002).

LEAVES

Fresh leaves contain about 17-20 % protein and 22 % crude fibre (Lima, 1994). They are rich

in lysine but deficient in methionine and cystine (van der Maesen et al., 1997). The hay

contains about 14 % protein (Mendes, 1988).

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Tables of chemical composition and nutritional value

MESQUITE (PROSOPIS JULIFLORA), FRUIT PULP

Main analysis Unit Avg

Crude protein % DM 7.7

Crude fibre % DM 12.0

Ether extract % DM 0.6

Ash % DM 2.3

Gross energy MJ/kg DM 18.0

SOURCE: Imperial Bureau of Animal Nutrition, 1936

MESQUITE (PROSOPIS JULIFLORA), LEAVES, FRESH

Main analysis Unit Avg SD Min Max Nb

Dry matter % as fed 36.7 32.2 41.2 2

Crude protein % DM 16.9 4.6 11.7 20.1 3

Crude fibre % DM 26.9 9.0 21.6 37.3 3

Ether extract % DM 3.1 0.5 2.7 3.6 3

Ash % DM 8.9 1.4 7.7 10.5 3

Gross energy MJ/kg DM

18.4 *

MINERALS UNIT AVG SD MIN MAX

Calcium g/kg DM 17.0 4.7 11.7 20.8

Phosphorus g/kg DM 2.0 0.3 1.7 2.2

Potassium g/kg DM 15.1 14.1 16.0

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Magnesium g/kg DM 4.2 2.3 6.0

SOURCE

CIRAD, 1991; Russell, 1947 MESQUITE (PROSOPIS JULIFLORA), POD HUSKS

MAIN ANALYSIS UNIT AVG

Crude protein % DM 4.3

Crude fibre % DM 54.3

Ether extract % DM 0.6

Ash % DM 3.4

Gross energy MJ/kg DM 19.2*

The asterisk * indicates that the average value was obtained by an equation.

SOURCE: Imperial Bureau of Animal Nutrition, 1936

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MESQUITE (PROSOPIS JULIFLORA), PODS, DRY

Main analysis Unit Avg SD Min Max

Dry matter % as fed 94.1 1.8 92.7 97.2

Crude protein % DM 12.5 0.9 11.1 13.9

Crude fibre % DM 21.2 4.8 16.8 27.7

NDF % DM 46.3 40.2 52.3

ADF % DM 37.3 31.7 42.8

Lignin % DM 5.7

Ether extract % DM 2.8 1.2 1.3 4.3

Ash % DM 3.6 1.6 0.4 4.8

Gross energy MJ/kg DM 18.8*

MINERALS UNIT AVG SD MIN MAX

Calcium g/kg DM 4.5 2.0 2.3 7.0

Phosphorus g/kg DM 1.5 0.3 1.0 1.7

Potassium g/kg DM 15.2 1.2 13.9 16.0

Magnesium g/kg DM 1.1 0.1 1.1 1.2

Manganese mg/kg DM 22 11 33

Zinc mg/kg DM 18 16 20

Copper mg/kg DM 4 4 5

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AMINO ACIDS UNIT AVG

Arginine % protein 13.3

Cystine % protein 1.2

Glycine % protein 4.4

Histidine % protein 2.7

Isoleucine % protein 2.7

Leucine % protein 6.6

Lysine % protein 4.0

Methionine % protein 1.0

Phenylalanine % protein 3.5

Threonine % protein 2.4

Tryptophan % protein 1.1

Tyrosine % protein 2.3

Valine % protein 3.5

SECONDARY METABOLITES UNIT AVG

Tannins (eq. tannic acid) g/kg DM 7.6

Tannins, condensed (eq. catechin)

g/kg DM 1.9

SOURCES: Barman et al., 2006; CIRAD, 1991; Groenewald et al., 1967; Habit et al., 1988; Mahgoub et al., 2005

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MESQUITE (PROSOPIS JULIFLORA), SEEDS

Main analysis Unit Avg Min Max

Dry matter % as fed 88.4

Crude protein % DM 50.5 35.8 65.2

Crude fibre % DM 4.5 2.8 6.1

Ether extract % DM 6.2 4.5 7.8

Ash % DM 4.5 3.7 5.2

Gross energy MJ/kg DM 21.1*

The asterisk * indicates that the average value was obtained by an equation.

SOURCES

Habit et al., 1988; Imperial Bureau of Animal Nutrition, 1936

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